Stabilizing and Leveling Your RV: A Complete Guide

Getting a good night's sleep in your RV can be a challenge if it's not level. When the head of the bed is lower than the foot, or if your pillow keeps falling to the floor, restful sleep feels impossible. Additionally, a level RV is essential for your gas refrigerator to function properly, ensuring your food stays cold. Here's everything you need to know about leveling and stabilizing your RV for a comfortable camping experience.

Why Leveling Your RV Matters

When your RV is unlevel, it can lead to discomfort while sleeping and may affect the operation of appliances, particularly gas refrigerators. Ensuring your RV is level not only enhances comfort but also helps maintain your equipment's efficiency.

How to Level an RV

1. The cheapest way to get your RV level is to place a stack of 2x10s under as many tires as it takes to get the bubble on the level centered.

An inexpensive surface level will let you know when things are level in your RV.

Of course there's the question of storing all of those lengths of wood. And more importantly, will the stack hold together as you try to run up on it with your tires? This method is not only an inconvenience, but also a possible safety hazard.

2. The next step up in getting your RV level would be a set of RV leveling blocks (Lynx Levelers are my favorite). These interlocking plastic blocks are designed to handle the weight of the largest motor home around. You just snap them together and form a ramp that will stay stable while you drive or pull your RV onto them. When you're ready to leave, they unsnap and can be easily stored in a handy carrying case.

How to Stabilize an RV

So now you've got the RV level, but what if it still rocks back and forth as you walk around? You'll also need an RV stabilizer. Here are a few different ways to stabilize your RV:

1. Stabilizing jack stands will make things nice and solid.

Again, there's  the issue of storing the RV jack stands. Plus, you have to crawl under the RV to position each of the stands. So this isn't the most user-friendly method of stabilizing your RV.

2. Moving up to a better set-up, you could install a set of permanently mounted stabilizing jacks. RV scissor jacks bolt or weld to your RV's frame. That way, you just go around to each corner and hand-crank each jack into place. A set of bubble levels mounted on the RV's exterior walls will indicate when you've found level.

Of course, with this method there is a bit of manual labor involved — cranking the jacks by hand and all.

3. The next step up is a set of electric jack stands. Now, it's simply a matter of pushing a button to get your RV trailer sitting straight with the world!

You might as well invest in an electric tongue jack too. Why not make it a complete package?

RV Parking and Leveling Tips

When it comes to parking your RV at home, maneuvering in tight spaces can be tricky. An electrically operated power mover allows you to navigate corners and position your RV with precision—again, all at the press of a button!

For motor homes, consider a hydraulic leveling system. This technology lets you raise one corner, one side, or the entire motor home with just a couple of button presses, making it easy to level even in challenging terrain. It also facilitates changing a flat tire by lifting the motor home off the ground.

Conclusion

Leveling and stabilizing your RV are crucial steps for a comfortable camping experience. By choosing the right tools and methods, you can ensure a peaceful night's sleep and efficient operation of your RV appliances. Whether you opt for manual methods or invest in electric solutions, these tips will help you enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.